The encounter involving Pro League side Al Ittihad and Iranian club Sepahan, which was slated for Tuesday, October 2, 2023, couldn’t commence due to a shocking reason.
It has been reported that the Asian Champions League encounter was canceled due to Al Ittihad’s players’ unhappiness with a statue close to the turf.
A statue of Qasem Soleimani, a former Iranian military officer is on display close to the dugout near the pitch.
The late Soleimani was regarded as the second most powerful man in Iran before he died in 2020.
Qasem Soleimani’s death was due to a US drone strike, and reports indicate that the sighting of the statue close to the stadium is why Al Ittihad players refused to enter the playing surface of the Naghsh-e-Jahan Stadium.
Al Ittihad refused to play against Sepahan
Initially, Al Ittihad asked for a 90-minute delay to examine the situation, and after the conclusion of their review, they headed back to the Airport to fly back to Saudi Arabia.
The Asian Football Confederation afterward released a statement indicating that the game was “canceled due to unanticipated and unforeseen circumstances”.
They also reaffirmed their focus on “ensuring” the safety and security of the players, spectators, match officials, and all relevant parties involved.
An excerpt from the statement reads: “The AFC reiterates its commitment towards ensuring the safety and security of the players, match officials, spectators, and all stakeholders involved.”
According to the governing body of Asian football, “relevant committees” will now take charge of the matter.
Saudi Arabian clubs had opted not to play in Iran for nearly a decade after a group of military men from the country, who are known as the “Basij”’ attacked the Saudi embassy located in Tehran.
Saudi Arabia and Iran mend ties
However, both countries have chosen to mend the burnt bridges, and their relationship has been fair in recent years.
Due to this, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr traveled happily to Iran, and they were given a seismic and electric welcome to the country.
Al Nassr players were also handed special gifts for their stay in the country, including an all-access sim card, which gave them the opportunity to use the internet without limitations.
Luis Castro’s side defeated Persepolis by 2-0 in the Asian Champions League, and Iranian fans of Persepolis seemingly held no grudge despite the defeat.
Al Ittihad sit 2nd in Group C of the Asian Champions League, with 3 points from only one match played so far.
They face Iraqi club Al Quwa Al Jawiya in their next group encounter slated for Monday, October 23, 2023.
Meanwhile, the Jeddah-based club sit 2nd on the Saudi Pro League table with 19 points from 8 matches.
They are stacked with a litany of stars, including; Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, and Fabinho.
The defending champions of the Saudi Pro League welcome Al Ahli in their next league encounter slated for Friday, October 6, 2023.
That encounter promises to be a blockbuster, given the stars that would be on parade for both clubs.
Al Ahli have notable names within their ranks, including; Roberto Firmino, Edouard Mendy, Riyad Mahrez, and Allan Saint-Maximin
The decision regarding the Asian Champions League game involving Al Ittihad and Sepahan is unknown, as we would have to wait for subsequent updates from the Asian Football Confederation.
